Cubs surprising pursuit of Craig Kimbrel

The Chicago Cubs are pursuing Craig Kimbrel, but how they making the money work?

The baseball world is swirling with free agents reports everyday. Wednesday, we have news that the Chicago Cubs are “pushing hard” for him, according to Ken Rosenthal. The free agent closer is generating plenty of buzz now that teams don’t have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him.

In Rosenthal’s latest piece for The Athletic, he notes that Chicago isn’t paying the injured Ben Zobrist while he is on the IL. Since they saved a certain amount, the Cubs think they have enough to net Kimbrel.

Chicago is one of the many teams that need bullpen help. It is rather surprising that they have the availability to pursue the top closer, as they have been strapped for cash in recent seasons. If the Cubs to land Kimbrel, they will be getting one of the best closers in the game.

He should be able to contribute immediately and has experienced no shortage of big moments, his latest was in last year’s post season.

Kimbrel posted a 2.74 ERA and saved 42 games last season. His fastball still gets by hitters and his breaking ball is just as difficult to pick up. The only concern will be how he holds up after not playing in the MLB for a couple months.

The Cubs bullpen has been all right because of quality outings from Brandon Kintzler, Steve Cishek, Tim Collins, and Tyler Chatwood. Signing Kimbrel will help them when baseball gets into the dog days of summer. The more quality arms the better.

Another benefit for Chicago is they will save a pick, instead of forfeiting that to the Boston Red Sox. Kimbrel will most likely sign a one-year guarantee for the rest of the season and see what happens in the winter.

The Cubs are leading the National League Central, and a Kimbrel signing would increase their chances of holding the top spot.